TALE gene family: identification, evolutionary and expression analysis under various exogenous hormones and waterlogging stress in Cucumis sativus L.

BACKGROUND: Three Amino acid Loop Extension (TALE) belongs to the homeobox group of genes that are important constituents of plant systems. The TALE gene family is instrumental not only in growth and development but also plays an essential role in regulating plant response to environmental adversaries. RESULTS: In the present study, we isolated 21 CsTALE genes from the cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) genome database. Bioinformatics tools were put in place to understand the structural and functional components of the CsTALE gene family. The evolutionary analysis dissected them into seven subclades (KNOX-I, KNOX-II, and BELL-I to BELL-V). The cis-acting elements in the promoter region of CsTALE genes disclosed that they are key regulators of hormonal and stress-related processes. Additionally, the STRING database advocated the concerting role of CsTALE proteins with other key transcription factors potent in plant developmental biology. The CsmiR319 and CsmiR167a-3p targeting the CsTALE15 and CsTALE16, respectively, further assert the importance of the CsTALE gene family posttranscriptional-related processes. Tissue-specific gene expression unfolded the fundamental involvement of CsTALE genes as they were expressed throughout the developmental stages. Under waterlogging stress, the CsTALE17 expressed significantly higher values in WL, WL-NAA, and WL-ETH but not in WL-MeJA-treated samples. CONCLUSIONS: The present study reveals the evolution and functions of the CsTALE gene family in cucumber. Our work will provide a platform that will help future researchers address the issue of waterlogging stress in the Yangtze River Delta.

Malaria prevalence in Malakand district, the north western region of Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE: To check the prevalence of malaria in a specific geographical region. METHODS: The prospective study was conducted in Malakand, Pakistan, from January to December 2017, and comprised suspected malaria patients. Blood samples were collected during dry, rainy, and end-of-rainy season, with symptoms of malaria. Thick and thin film of blood were Giemsa-stained, stored in a secured slide box and were reconfirmed by microscopy expert at the Laboratory of District Head Quarter Hospital Batkhela and Tehsil Head Quarter Hospital Dargai in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Graph Pad 5 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Of 1123 suspected patients, 300(26.7%) tested positive for malaria. Of the positive cases, 296(98.6%) were Plasmodium vivax and 4(1.3%) Plasmodium falciparum. No mixed-species infection and no case of Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium malariae were reported. Malaria was higher in those aged <16 followed by those in the 33-50 group and the least in 51-80 years group (p>0.05). Males were more infected than females (p>0.05). Individuals screened in the rainy season numbered more than those in the dry and post-rain season (p<0.05).. CONCLUSIONS: Malaria was found to be highly prevalent in the rainy season.

Intercropping of aromatic crop Pelargonium graveolens with Solanum tuberosum for better productivity and soil health.

Farmers in hilly regions experience low production potential and resource use efficiency due to low valued crops and poorsoil health. Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L.) is a vegetatively propagated initially slow growing, high value aromatic crop. Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is also vegetatively propagated high demand cash crop. A field experiment was carried out in temperate climate to investigate the influence of geranium intercropping at different row strips (1:1 and 1:2) and plant density (60 x 45, 75 x 45 and 90 x 45 cm) with potato intercrop on biomass, oil yield, monetary advantage and soil quality parameters. The row spacing 60x45cm and row strip 1:1 was found to be superior and produced 92 t ha(-1) and 14 kg ha(-1) biomass and oil yield, respectively. The row strip 1:2 intercrop earned a maximum $2107, followed by $1862 with row strip 1:1 at 60 x 45 cm plant density. Significant variations were noticed in soil organic carbon (Corg), total N (Nt), available nutrients, soil microbial biomass (Cmic) and nitrogen (Nmic) content. Maximum improvement of Corg (41.0%) and Nt (27.5%)with row strip 1:1 at 75 x 45 cm plant density. While higher soil respiration rate, Cmic, Nmic, and qCO2 was found with 1:2 row strip at 60 x 45 plant density. The buildup of Corg and Cmic potato intercrop can promote long term sustainability on productivity and soil health.

Improvement in the yield and quality of kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata Nees) under the sustainable production system.

Andrographis paniculata Nees is an annual erect herb with wide medicinal and pharmacological applications due to the presence of andrographolide and other active chemical constituents. The large-scale cultivation of the kalmegh is not in practice. The aim of this study was to establish sustainable production systems of A. paniculata cv CIM-Megha with the application of different bioinoculants and chemical fertilisers. A. paniculata herb and andrographolide yield in the dried leaves was found to be highest (218% and 61.3%, respectively) in treatment T3 (NPK+Bacillus sp.) compared with T1 (control). The soil organic carbon, soil microbial respiration, soil enzymes activity and available nutrients improved significantly with combined application of bioinoculants and chemical fertilisers.